India's Kharif crop sowing surpasses 1121 lakh hectares in 2025

India's Kharif crop sowing has crossed 1121.46 lakh hectares this season, showing a slight rise over last year. As of October 3, 2025, the total area planted stands higher than the 1114.95 lakh hectares recorded in the same period of 2024. The expansion reflects mixed trends across different crops, with some sectors growing while others face setbacks.

Rice remains the dominant Kharif crop, with sowing reaching 441.58 lakh hectares—up from 435.68 lakh hectares in 2024. The steady increase in rice cultivation underscores its importance in the country's food supply.

Coarse cereals have seen a significant boost, climbing to 194.67 lakh hectares from 183.54 lakh hectares last year. Maize led this expansion, surging by 12.6% to cover 94.95 lakh hectares, compared to 84.30 lakh hectares in 2024. The rise in maize and millet acreage aligns with government efforts to promote nutri-cereals for improved nutrition and food security.

Pulses also recorded growth, with the total area rising to 120.41 lakh hectares—an increase of 1.37 lakh hectares over 2024. Urad (black gram) cultivation alone saw a 6.5% jump, signalling stronger legume production.

However, not all sectors fared well. Soybean acreage dropped sharply by 9.10 lakh hectares, likely due to uneven rainfall and unstable prices. The oilseed sector as a whole struggled, with the sown area falling to 190.13 lakh hectares from 200.75 lakh hectares last year.

The latest figures show a modest overall increase in Kharif sowing, driven by gains in rice, maize, and pulses. Yet, challenges remain in oilseeds and soybeans, where reduced planting highlights ongoing agricultural pressures. The government's focus on nutri-cereals appears to be influencing crop choices, particularly in maize and millet production.